&Barr’s 10 Year
Anniversary
Celebrating Ten Years of the Ampersand Through the Voices of Our Team
Ten years ago, we made a bold change, evolving our name to symbolize the approach our agency has had from the very beginning. Changing the name from Fry | Hammond | Barr to &Barr, where the ampersand represents our connection between us and our clients, truly represents the simple truth that without you, we wouldn’t exist.
Change always brings an unprecedented feeling, and after 58 years as Fry | Hammond | Barr, we knew rebranding was the best decision to represent who we are as we continue to grow. Ten years later, we reflect with pride, knowing it was the best decision we could have made. It showed the importance of adaptability—something &Barr has always embodied. As we continue to deliver high-quality work and evolve in a fast-paced environment, we proudly celebrate the rebrand we made ten years ago.
As we celebrate this milestone, we want to share a few words from our team members who experienced the rebrand firsthand:
Pete Barr Jr., President & CEO
Ten years ago, we evolved from Fry | Hammond | Barr to simply &Barr. At its inception, the ampersand was intentional—an equation that isn’t complete without our clients, our staff and our community. It’s about partnership, shared goals, and celebrating wins together. A decade later, &Barr has truly arrived—and we’re just getting started.
Dennis Nikles, VP, Media & Analytics
Wow! The first 22 years for me have flown by. Since my arrival at Fry | Hammond | Barr in 2003, things have really changed. The media landscape has totally been displaced with the shift from traditional media to all things digital. The agency has transformed seamlessly during the same period, embracing the shift and excelling in the space. I couldn’t be any prouder to have been a part of the monumental metamorphous for both the agency and the industry!
Kim Blaylock, VP, Account Service
Virgil wrote, “All our sweetest hours fly fastest,” and that feels true of my time here. I started 15 years ago at Fry | Hammond | Barr, when we liked to remind people, “we’re an ad agency, not a law firm!” To me, the rebrand captured our essence perfectly, showing the world that what really defines us is our people, partners, clients, and community. Through every change, this agency has remained the most collaborative and caring place I’ve ever worked, and I’m grateful to be part of its story.
It has been an amazing experience to see &Barr’s evolution to what we are now.
&Barr has a great reputation in the community. I think part of that is because each department here works very well together and it shows – and then every department collaborates well with all the other departments, if someone needs help everyone will jump in to assist.
We are also very involved in the community with several volunteer opportunities.
After 43 years at this agency, I could fill an entire page talking about change. So, I would rather talk about the owners of this agency. The Barr family embraces this agency and considers the staff as family members. They have taken care of me personally and professionally since day one. I couldn’t think of a better company to work for than &Barr.
Michelle Kozel, Accounting Supervisor
As I reflect on nearly 25 years at &Barr, I admire the company’s ability to maintain a positive culture over many years. In two decades, we’ve seen considerable changes: &Barr has evolved to meet client needs in the face of changing media trends, stayed ahead of technological landscapes, and adapted to an increasingly digital world. All the while, the company has fostered a positive culture, supported employees, and maintained the family-owned feel for which they’re known. I’m proud to have contributed to keeping the financial side of the agency running smoothly for nearly a quarter-century. It’s been a rewarding journey and I’m excited for what’s ahead.
